Hattem pauses dog off-leash zones due to nature concerns and legal objections
Dog owners in Hattem face temporary leash rules in three areas after objections highlight risks to vulnerable nature and private land issues. The suspension lasts until mid-July, affecting daily walks and local wildlife protection efforts.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Affected Areas | Oude Kerkweg, Hertog Willempad, Geldersedijk |
| Reason for Suspension | Objections over ecological sensitivity and private land overlap |
| Temporary Leash Requirement | Until July 15, 2026 |
| Active Off-Leash Zones | Fenced fields along Geldersedijk/Apeldoornseweg, near the Waa |
| Breeding Season Restriction | March 15 – July 15 (leash required in Hertog Willempad) |
| Municipal Decision Deadline | Expected by July 15, 2026 |
The Municipality of Hattem is responsible for local bylaws, including regulations on public spaces and nature conservation. This decision reflects its role in balancing recreational freedoms with environmental and resident interests.
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Read the full translated article below
Suspension of dog off-leash areas
The Municipality of Hattem has announced that the implementation of rules regarding whether dogs must be leashed in three designated off-leash areas will be temporarily suspended. The reason for this is objections submitted, particularly concerning potential disruption to vulnerable nature and meadow birds. Until the objections committee has issued a ruling, a leash requirement will remain in effect in these areas.
Why new rules?
In 2025, the municipality decided to tighten the rules for walking dogs. Until now, the principle in Hattem was that dogs were allowed to run free in rural areas unless otherwise indicated. The General Local Bylaw now stipulates that dogs must also be leashed in rural areas unless an area is explicitly designated as an off-leash zone.
With this change, the municipality aims to:
- enhance the protection of nature;
- improve traffic safety;
- reduce nuisance and confusion for residents;
- create a balanced distribution of safe off-leash spots.
The designated off-leash areas were established following, among other things, a residents' survey.
Objections and suspension
Objections have been filed against several of the designated locations. The objections primarily concern the three off-leash areas in the Rijntakken, which, according to nature organizations, are ecologically sensitive zones. Additionally, it was found that part of the area along the Oude Kerkweg overlapped with private land. The municipality has therefore decided to suspend the implementation of the off-leash rules in these areas. Due to this suspension, these locations will (for now) not be designated as off-leash areas, meaning the new General Local Bylaw rule—that dogs must be leashed in rural areas—will apply here. The suspension will remain in effect until July 15. By then, the breeding season will be over, and it is expected that a decision on the objections will have been made.
The suspension applies to the following areas:
- Oude Kerkweg from Vuursteenberg to Enkweg;
- Hertog Willempad, starting from the Hoenwaardsebrug;
- Geldersedijk.
Municipal response
“We consider it important to carefully balance the interests of dog owners with the protection of vulnerable nature. That is why we are first awaiting advice from the objections committee before implementing the new rules in these areas.”
The remaining designated off-leash areas will indeed come into effect on April 1, 2026. These are the following areas:
- The fenced-off field along Geldersedijk;
- The fenced-off field along Apeldoornseweg;
- Near the Waa (between the allotments and the Waa).
Leash requirement during breeding season
The area along Hertog Willempad (near the ferry) has been designated as an off-leash area. However, since dogs are not allowed to run free during the breeding season (March 15–July 15), a leash requirement will temporarily apply here as well.
Next steps
Once the objections committee has issued its advice, the Municipality of Hattem will make a final decision on the status of the relevant areas. Residents will be informed of this in a timely manner.